Mark Hunter MP

Cheadle MP backs call for vote on Europe

February 26, 2008 12:26 PM

Today's motion in Parliament calls for a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter, today (Tuesday, 26th February) backed a motion in the House of Commons tabled by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg, which calls for a Referendum to take place on Britain's continued Membership of the European Union.

Mr Hunter's name appears alongside all 63 Liberal Democrat MPs in support of such a Referendum, and he is calling on Conservative and Labour MPs to support this motion to give the British public the opportunity to determine whether Britain should continue to be a member of the European Union or not.

Mr Hunter, speaking on this issue said; "There has long been debate on Britain's role in Europe but in fact it has been over thirty years since the British public have had the chance to have their say on this subject. I think to deny this vote would be a travesty of justice, especially since everyone under the age of 50 has not previously had a chance to vote on whether Britain should continue to be a member of the European Union.

"There has been much debate about whether there should or shouldn't be a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty which is currently being debated in Parliament. But to me, that issue is of less significance than the principle of whether we should remain members of the EU or not. Even under past Conservative Governments we have not had referendums on European Treaties - like Maastricht for example - and a referendum on this treaty would not tackle the real issue at stake, that of Britain's continued membership of the EU.

"Both the Conservative and Labour parties voted against a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU in November of last year when it was proposed by the Liberal Democrats. I hope that today they will not again deny the British people the right to vote on this important issue - whatever our individual views we should all agree that the people must have their say."